Fairfield University is excited to announce the official transition of Rev. Fr. John Savard ‘78, S.J., as the new director of Campus Ministry.
A Fairfield University alumnus, Fr. Savard ‘78 brings a strong connection to the University and local community, having grown up in Easton, where his mother still resides, and earning his undergraduate degree from the University in 1978. Over the last two years, Fr. Savard was an Assistant Director of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality and is teaching in the School of Education and Human Development, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences.
Fr. Savard plans to build upon the strong relationship between Campus Ministry and the Murphy Center to support the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff. With his unique perspective as an alumnus, a professor, and a member of the local community, Fr. Savard has been “settling well into the new position” and is “thrilled to return” to see how the University has evolved and strengthened through the years.
Campus Ministry fosters an inclusive environment that includes a Jewish Rabbi, Muslim Imam, and Protestant Minister on staff dedicated to supporting students as they explore their relationship with God from different religions and traditions. In recent years, the student engagement with Campus Ministry has grown significantly. Fr. Savard has observed that, “students are seeking to belong and form community.” Following recent overflow in attendance during the 7:30 p.m. Sunday student Mass, Fr. Savard intends to add another 5:30 p.m. student Mass. He is committed to meeting students where they are, with plans to bring, “programs into the Residence Halls, such as a weekly Ignatian Examen and other opportunities for students to lead in the Ignatian tradition.”
Campus Ministry’s immersion experience to Belize, Central America, this past January, was a resounding success. “Our service and retreat programs are thriving,” this can be accredited to, “more and more students are willing to step out of their comfort zone, explore, and meet communities that may be very different from where they grew up.” With each new program, students gaining valuable insights into a variety of cultures and deepening their commitment to service, community engagement and to God
To stay up to date with Fr. Savard’s leadership and Campus Ministry events, visit Fairfield.edu/campusministry
